Jobs Foreigners Can and Cannot Do in Japan

In Japan, there are jobs that foreigners can do and jobs they cannot. If you are considering working in Japan, it is important to know what jobs you can take.
This article introduces the jobs that foreigners living in Japan can and cannot do, as well as the residence statuses required to work in Japan.

Foreigners Who Can and Cannot Work in Japan

Foreigners need a residence status to stay in Japan. There are "working statuses" that allow employment and "non-working statuses" that do not.

Residence Statuses That Allow Work

There are residence statuses that allow work without restrictions and those that have certain job restrictions.

[Residence statuses that allow work without restrictions]

• Permanent Resident (PR)
• Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN)
• Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR)
• Long-Term Resident (LTR)

[Residence statuses with job restrictions]

• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)
• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI)
• Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
• Technical Intern Training (TIT)
• Care Worker
• Educator, etc.

Be aware that with these residence statuses, you cannot do jobs not permitted by the status. Also, residence statuses have expiration dates, so regular renewal is necessary to continue working.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan's Residence Status List

Residence Statuses That Do Not Allow Work

Foreigners with non-working residence statuses cannot work in Japan. This includes statuses like "Student," "Dependent," and "Cultural Activities."
However, those with Student or Dependent statuses can work up to 28 hours per week with permission for extra-status activities. Note that some jobs, such as working in pachinko parlors or bars, are not allowed.

Jobs Foreigners Can Do in Japan

Residence Statuses That Allow Work Without Restrictions

Those with statuses based on personal circumstances (Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident) can do any job without restrictions.

Residence Statuses With Job Restrictions

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

This status is for jobs requiring advanced specialized knowledge or skills, such as researchers, engineers, and managers. This status is evaluated based on a points system, including education and Japanese language proficiency, and offers various benefits.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI)

This status is for jobs requiring specialized knowledge, such as engineers, marketing, and interpreters. To obtain this status, you need a degree related to the job or relevant work experience.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)

This status allows work in 14 fields, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, caregiving, and services. There are no educational requirements, but you must pass exams in the relevant field.

For more details: How to Work | SSW Comprehensive Support Site (Ministry of Justice)

There are other specific statuses for jobs such as education and journalism.
For more details: Residence Status List | Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Jobs Foreigners Cannot Do in Japan

The jobs you can do depend on your residence status. A common issue is when someone with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) status ends up doing simple tasks.
For example, you cannot work only on assembly line tasks if hired as an engineer.
If you face such a situation, consult organizations that support foreign workers and living in Japan.
Additionally, students with the Designated Activities status for part-time work cannot work in pachinko parlors, cabarets, or similar establishments, even for cleaning jobs.

How to Find Jobs in Japan

Finally, here are some ways to find jobs in Japan:
Use job search websites
Look on Facebook and LinkedIn
Check company and agent websites
Attend job fairs and career fairs
Use Hello Work or Foreign Employment Service Centers

In Japan, it is common to use job search websites. Some websites offer multilingual support for foreigners. You can search for jobs by occupation and location and apply.

Hello Work is a public institution in Japan that offers job consultations, employment support, unemployment benefits consultation, and job introductions. They have facilities nationwide and some locations offer multilingual support. It is also available online, making it accessible nationwide.

The "Foreign Employment Service Centers" in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka are also operated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. They support the employment and career changes of foreigners, as well as job support for new graduates and international students. Services are available both online and at their offices.
(Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Prefectural Labour Bureaus and Hello Work) (Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Foreign Employment Service Centers)
If you have a specific company you want to work for, checking their website can also be useful. Job openings are usually listed on the "Recruitment Information" page.

Conclusion

To work in Japan, you need a valid residence status. You cannot do jobs not permitted by your residence status. Be cautious of misleading offers suggesting it is okay to do jobs not allowed by your status, as there can be penalties. Understanding your residence status and permissible jobs is crucial.